Ten Taypo-Hope Creek Loop Trail

The Ten Taypo-Hope Creek Loop is a forest circuit in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. From the east side of Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, it climbs the ferny Hope Creek canyon to a junction, follows Ten Taypo across the ridge, then returns on Hope Creek. Use 3.6 miles for the full walk, including the short access leg out and back; NPS lists four miles, while detailed route measurements range from 3.3 to 3.7. Expect a moderate hike with some steep grades and allow about two hours. Counterclockwise puts the longer Ten Taypo side first and saves the shorter, more direct Hope Creek leg for the return.

The first climb follows a steep-sided canyon with an open understory, big redwoods and fern-covered banks. At the first junction, turn right onto Ten Taypo over a long, winding footbridge. It is one of the walk's clearest landmarks; frame its curves with the ferny slopes and trunks to show how the creek cuts through the forest.

Ten Taypo winds in and out of small drainages along the hillside. The south-facing slope has smaller, more even trees, with huckleberry and rhododendron in the understory; redwood views return near the ridge. There the trail follows a short remnant of East Ridge Road, now mostly narrowed to singletrack. It was once a logging connection between Ah Pah and Cal Barrel roads, then was abandoned after Highway 101 was built; most of the old road has disappeared.

The ridge briefly passes through a darker, sparse fir grove before switchbacks descend the hillside. The understory thins and larger redwoods return. Look for colossal trunks scarred by fire but still standing, a detail noted along the route. In the lowland woods, listen for the varied thrush's clear, flute-like single note.

Start at the Hope Creek Trailhead on the east side of the parkway at mile marker 132.74, opposite the separate Ossagon Trailhead. Parking is limited. On the first Saturday of each month from October through May, the parkway is closed to vehicles for Hike and Bike Day but remains open to people on foot and bicycles. Dogs are not allowed on park trails; service animals are exempt.